Stacey Allaster, the chairman and chief executive of the WTA, expressed her support for Baltacha, saying: "The WTA family sends its thoughts and prayers to Elena and her husband Nino at this difficult time.

"Throughout her tennis career, Elena was admired for her friendly personality, her passion, energy and tenacity. We know she will use these qualities to fight this illness and we'll support her along this process in any way we can."

Baltacha can look to Great Britain Davis Cup player Ross Hutchins for inspiration.

The 29-year-old, this week appointed the new tournament director of London's AEGON Championships, returned to action earlier this year with doubles partner Colin Fleming after recovering from Hodgkin's lymphoma - a form of cancer.

Hutchins was diagnosed with the illness in December 2012 but announced he was in remission in July.